As if hearing his name mentioned, the cat struggled in Elizabeth’s arms and jumped to the floor, running towards the door. Elizabeth ran after him, and in the hall, she almost collided with the guests, losing her balance. Mr Darcy grabbed her arm, preventing a most unladylike fall.
“Forgive me. My cat was running away from me,” she mumbled, her cheeks hot with embarrassment.
“Should I try to catch it?” Mr Darcy offered, and Elizabeth stared at him in disbelief.
“No, there is no need. He will take a turn in the garden and return soon. Please come in, gentlemen,” she said, remembering to be a polite hostess.
In the drawing room, the guests were welcomed enthusiastically, and Mr Darcy was introduced to Mr Bennet.
The conversation began with some difficulty, despite Mr Bingley’s attempts. As joyful and amicable as he was, the difference between him and his friend was striking. Mr Darcy was stern and withdrawn, observing them with apparent disdain and hardly saying a word, showing his lack of pleasure in being there. Elizabeth wondered why he had even come. Was it justto make them feel uncomfortable? Yet he had offered to catch the cat for her. She even regretted refusing the offer; Mr Darcy running about after Mr Ash and likely being scratched would have been a scene to remember.
Mr Bingley suddenly mentioned Mr Darcy’s preference for books and sport, and the subject interested her father, who addressed their guest directly. Shortly afterwards, a separate discussion, in low voices, began between the two, while Mr Bingley continued to talk to the ladies.
Surprisingly, Elizabeth heard her father invite Mr Darcy to the library — an offer that was immediately accepted. Puzzled, she watched the two so different men leave together and close the door behind them.
Half an hour passed, and Mr Bingley seemed to be enjoying himself exceedingly. Refreshments were brought, and out of a mixture of politeness and curiosity, Elizabeth offered to take some to her father and his companion.
On entering the library, she was bewildered to see her father talking animatedly and in a friendly manner with the arrogant Mr Darcy, both holding glasses of brandy. But the greatest surprise came moments later, when she noticed none other than Mr Ash purring and rubbing his head against Mr Darcy’s legs.
“Come in, Lizzy,” Mr Bennet requested. “We are having an interesting debate here, and your cat seems to approve of it. He entered through the window and did not run away when he saw us. Nor has he scratched either of us yet. Of course, there is still plenty of time.”
Elizabeth was too shocked to even notice the joke, even less to smile at it. In the room sat three males, none of them known to be friendly towards strangers, who were all barely acquaintedwith each other, yet they seemed to be bearing each other’s company and even unexpectedly enjoying themselves.
